The precocious and mischievous youngster recorded login details to the Blackboard system from a teacher's desk before using the login credentials to modify class enrolment lists, change the password login details of teachers and modify homework assignments.

"This was a case where an individual ... got hold of a teacher's password, and the passwords had administrative rights," a Fairfax school board spokesman said. No action was taken against the unnamed student, at least by the authorities.

The Blackboard system provides an online forum to detail homework assignments and make class announcements. Blackboard downplayed the significance of the unauthorised access onto supervisor account by saying an intruder would not have been able to change grades or access more sensitive school resources.

The firm disputes local reports that the installation of its technology at the school was hacked. "It was actually not a hack, unless you consider the fact that the 9-year-old took the teacher's username and password from the desk a hack," said Michael Stanton, Blackboard's senior vice president of corporate affairs told IDG. ®